It's chilly in Orlando today: Here's what to do at Disney World when it's cold
When you think Florida, you probably (rightly) think shorts, t-shirts and hot weather. But, that isn't always true. Take today -- it's windy and brisk in Orlando with unseasonable lows forecasted to dip into the 40s. It's probably not what anyone imagined when they originally booked their Walt Disney World spring break vacation. Uncooperative weather can be a disappointment, though some may argue a little cool is better than August temps. TPG previously shared how to have a great day at the parks in the rain. Now, we have tips for cold weather theme park days, too.
So, while the chilly weather adds a bit of a wrinkle into your touring plans, you can still have an amazing day at Disney World. Here's how.
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Get some gear, if you need it
You probably packed things like bathing suits and swim goggles and shorts for your Disney trip. And, usually, all those things are necessities -- especially if you're staying at a resort such as Disney's Polynesian Village that has an amazing pool area.
But, if temperatures take a nosedive, you may need to augment your wardrobe with some sweatshirts and -- gasp -- maybe even hats and gloves if it gets cold enough. Of course, packing those things in advance will save you money, but weather can be hard to predict in advance. Or, you may have just hoped for a warm-up to avoid checked bag fees. For those reasons and others, you may find yourself in Florida unprepared.
To maximize your time at Disney, just bite the bullet and buy those extras on-site. Each resort has a variety of shops or visit the Disney Springs shopping, dining and recreation complex for more shopping options. If you want to save a bit, you may want to head to the nearby outlet shops -- there's even a discount Disney outlet there.
If the weather forecast predicts a cold snap, act fast since everyone else will have the same idea about buying a few clothing items to help keep their family warm. It's especially important to be Johnny on the Spot if someone in your family requires a hard-to-find size.
And, don't worry, if the day miraculously warms up, you can rent a locker at the theme parks to store those extra layers.
Related: TPG's ultimate guide to Walt Disney World
Book a character meal
You may not have previously booked a meal with the characters but plans can change. Sometimes in Florida, the day can start out cold but warm up... or vice versa. So, if you find yourself trying to spend some time indoors on a chilly day, pull up the My Disney Experience mobile app and book breakfast, lunch or dinner with the characters.
You'll find options in the theme parks and at certain Disney resorts so you may even decide not to use a ticket to the parks on a cold day at all and instead find things to do elsewhere on property.
The cold weather may work to your advantage if you weren't originally able to book the most sought-after character meals in advance. Cinderella's Royal Table is a hot ticket and, especially during peak seasons like Christmas and spring break, it's difficult to snag a reservation. On a cold day, some travelers may decide to avoid the park altogether and may cancel their reservations -- which you can now snap up.
Alternatively, look for character meal reservations at some of the lesser-known venues. Some of our favorites include:
- Topolino's Terrace with Mickey and Friends at the new Riviera Resort
- Trattoria al Forno Restaurant with Ariel, Prince Eric, Rapunzel and Flynn Ryder at Disney's BoardWalk
- Storybook Dining at Artist Point with Snow White, Grumpy, Bashful and the Evil Queen at Wilderness Lodge
You won't even need park tickets that day to enjoy any of those options.
Related: The best restaurants in Walt Disney World
Resort-hop and shop
Even if it's not cold during your trip, we recommend carving out some time to board Disney's monorail and resort-hop from the Contemporary to the Polynesian to the Grand Floridian.
Related: When are Disney World monorail resorts worth the price?
If you have to pick one park, choose Epcot
If you have to pick one Disney World theme park to visit on a cold day, go for Epcot. Almost all of its rides are indoors, so while you'll need to weather the great outdoor in between attractions, you can spend plenty of time inside as you explore the building with Soarin' the Land, etc. From there you can head to American Adventure and other country-specific pavilions like Mexico, Norway, France, Japan and Canada.
Related: How much does a Walt Disney World vacation cost?
Go to a show or indoor attraction you've missed in the past
Each Disney World theme park is jam-packed with rides, shows and attractions and it's nearly impossible to see it all in one trip. Even if you've been to Disney World several times in the past, we bet there are things you've passed up in favor of hitting your favorite rides again instead.
On a chilly day, it might be the right opportunity to check out some indoor shows and attractions instead of freezing on an outdoor thrill ride like Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.
So, for example, in the Magic Kingdom, you could check out Mickey's PhilharMagic in Fantasyland or Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor in Tomorrowland. If you're spending the day at Disney's Hollywood Studios, you could see the Voyage of the Little Mermaid or Frozen Sing-a-Long shows, both of which are indoors. Much of the line for Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run is indoors, or at least covered, so that's an option, too. At Epcot, you'll find new shows at various pavilions, such as the new Beauty-and-the-Beast sing-a-long.
Related: What's new at Disney World in 2020
We recommend that you avoid Animal Kingdom when it's unseasonably cold. Most of the park's best features are outdoors. In cold weather, some animals may even make themselves scarce. If you have to deal with one cold day on your trip, you can easily tackle it at one of the other above theme parks and leave your exploration of Animal Kingdom for another day.
Related: Is Disney Club level worth it?
Book a spa or beauty treatment, or go to the gym
Spa treatments may not be top-of-mind when visiting Walt Disney World but the complex is home to many incredible spa facilities, including a Mandara Spa at the Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel. Senses has spa outposts at both the Grand Floridian and Disney's Saratoga Springs while Animal Kingdom Lodge has its Zahanati Massage & Fitness Center. At Disney's Yacht Club, look for the Ship Shape Massage Salon.
And, here's something fun -- especially if you've got tween or teen girls in your group. Book a Character Couture session at one of four on-property salons, including The Salon at Disney's Grand Floridan, the Salon by the Springs at Wilderness Lodge, La Vida Salon at Coronado Springs Resort and Ship Shape Salon at the Yacht & Beach Club Resort. According to Disney, "express your style with professional, one-of-a-kind beauty looks inspired by iconic Disney characters."
Services include:
- Hairstyle of your choice, like braids, updos and cascading curls: $60 for kids 12 and younger; $75 for adults
- Makeup application (subtle or dramatic): $40 for kids 12 and younger; $50 for adults
- Add on nail polish application for $15 for kids 12 and younger; $20 for adults
- In-room services are available for $25 per person extra
Book your appointment by calling 1-(407) WDW-GLAM.
Bottom line
If you've got the right cold-weather gear, just try to brave a cold day at Disney World and tackle the best options, which are Epcot, the Magic Kingdom and Disney's Hollywood Studios. You may actually find crowd levels to be a little below normal so you can snap up those FastPasses and visit as many attractions as you can.
And, there are so many things to do beyond the theme parks that you will have no trouble filling a day without setting foot in one of the parks. Here are some of our favorite restaurants at Disney World if you're in the market for an indoor (warm) leisurely meal.
Have you been to Disney World when it's cold out? What was your strategy to get the most out of the day? Comment below.
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Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.